Modern home kitchens feature numerous devices that simplify tasks, including blenders and microwave ovens. Among these is the air fryer. Due to growing health consciousness, the air fryer has become a common appliance because it allows for the easy preparation of samosas and pakoras without using oil.
However, if you only use your air fryer to make chips, samosas, or other frozen snacks, you might not be utilizing its full potential. The air fryer is capable of more than just oil-free frying; it can also grill, reheat, and bake. Furthermore, it can be used to prepare Indian breads such as naan, kulcha, and paratha.
Using the Air Fryer
Master Chef Pankaj Bhadauria demonstrated five ways to use an air fryer that may change your perception of it as merely a snack preparation device.
1. Making crispy snacks without deep frying: The most well-known application of the air fryer is giving a crispy texture to frozen products. You need to place frozen chips or samosas in the air fryer basket and set a timer. In a short time, they become golden and crispy on the outside, minimizing oil usage compared to deep fryers.
2. For grilling: The air fryer allows not only frying frozen products but also grilling. You can cook cheese tikki, chicken tikki, and various vegetable tikkis in it. Grilling in the air fryer imparts a characteristic char and marks to the dishes while reducing smoke issues compared to traditional grilling.
3. Reheating food without compromising texture: People often reheat leftover samosas or pizza in a microwave, which degrades the taste and texture. In this situation, the air fryer can be useful. It allows you to reheat leftovers like samosas, pizza, and other crispy dishes while preserving their crispiness thanks to hot air.
4. Baking, just like in an oven: The air fryer can also be used for baking. You can prepare items such as cookies, cupcakes, and garlic bread in it. This is convenient when you need to make a small amount of baked goods, as you don't have to use a large oven every time. However, when baking in an air fryer, it is crucial to adhere to the temperature and time specified in the instructions.
5. Preparing naan, kulcha, and paratha: Besides samosas and pakoras, the air fryer is suitable for preparing various Indian dishes. According to Pankaj Bhadauria, one can prepare naan, kulcha, and paratha in it. With the correct temperature and time, these dishes achieve a golden, toasted texture reminiscent of food cooked in a tandoor. Nevertheless, the cooking method may vary across different air fryer models, so you should follow your device's instructions.
Do not mistake the air fryer for just a deep fryer
These examples presented by Master Chef Pankaj Bhadauria demonstrate that the air fryer performs far more functions than just making chips or samosas crispy. When used correctly, it is capable of tasks such as grilling, reheating, baking, and preparing Indian bread.